Learning sports toy and method

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a sports toy with multiple instructional modalities which combine auditory, visual, and kinesthetic stimulation to teach and reinforce language skills. In one embodiment, a sports toy comprises a goal defining an aperture and a switch associated with the goal for indicating that a goal has been scored. A memory is operatively associated with the switch. A voice synthesizer is operatively associated with the memory and a speaker is in turn operatively associated with the voice synthesizer. Code stored in the memory causes sounds associated with language to sound from the speaker after the switch is activated. The sounds associated with the language include letter names, letter sounds, words, or phonics. The sports toy may also comprise an electronic visual display operatively associated with the memory for displaying stored images, such as letters or words, after the switch is activated.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/346,323, filed on Jan. 5, 2002,under 37 C.F.R. §1.78(a)(5), the full disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Embodiments of the invention relate generally to early stagelearning skills and more particularly to learning letters, spelling,phonetics, and counting while developing motor and sensory skills. Otherembodiments are directed to sports toys generally.

[0003] It is desirable for children to develop basic letter, spelling,phonetic, and number skills at an early age. To teach a childeffectively, learning must be made interesting and fun. There are alarge number of educational toys that attempt to engage a child'sinterest and to teach the child any of a variety of concepts by virtueof the child's play with the toy. At the same time, it is furtherimportant for children to simultaneously develop both motor and sensoryskills through playing and cognitive learning.

[0004] Learning theorists classify children into three basic types:auditory learners, visual learners, and kinesthetic learners. Somechildren are primarily auditory learners. Auditory learners respond bestto sounds, music, and speech. Some children are primarily visuallearners. Visual learners learn best by having visual cues, such aswritten text or symbols. Some children are primarily kinestheticlearners. Kinesthetic learners respond best to motion, movement, andaction-oriented learning. Although children usually have a primarylearning modality, most children learn best when instructed with acombination of all three of these modalities. Learning is alsofacilitated by interactive learning and providing an environment ofemotional support and encouragement.

[0005] As such, learning is best achieved when at least three physicalor instructional modalities are logically connected and engaged: audio,visual, and kinesthetic. Many sports toys available on the market, suchas play basketball toys that comprise a base, a pole coupled to thebase, a backboard coupled to the pole, and a basket coupled to thebackboard, allow for hand and eye coordination and motor skilldevelopment through playing but lack any educational stimulation. Forexample, such play basketball toys might provide cheering in response tomaking a basket or may keep score, but they donot provide any languageor phonic learning. Moreover, infants and toddlers may easily tire fromsuch basketball toy structures, as described above, as they may requiretoo much energy to retrieve the ball after a basket has been made.

[0006] Hence, there is a need for alternate sports toys that providelanguage skills, particularly ones that teach letters, spelling, orphonetics, in an audio, visual, and kinesthetic modality. It would bedesirable that such an interactive learning toy provide a sensoryexperience in an encouraging and emotionally supportive environment. Itwould further be desirable to have a sports toy that improves gross andfine motor skill development without over exhausting a child,particularly infants. At least some of these objectives are addressed inthe present invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention provides a sports toy withmultiple instructional modalities which combine auditory, visual, andkinesthetic stimulation to teach letters, spelling, or phonetics tochildren in an early stage of development. In one embodiment of thepresent invention, a sports toy comprises a goal defining an area, suchas an aperture, and a switch associated with the goal for indicatingthat a goal has been scored. A memory is operatively associated with theswitch. A voice synthesizer is operatively associated with the memoryand a speaker is in turn operatively associated with the voicesynthesizer. Code stored in the memory causes sounds associated withlanguage to sound from the speaker after the switch is activated. Thesounds associated with the language include letter names, letter sounds,words, or phonics. Hence, kinesthetic involvement of a child throwing atoy ball through the goal facilitates cognitive development of letters,words, or phonics in an auditory manner. This interactive learning toymay further be operated in a numbers mode to further teach counting.Moreover, the sports toy may also comprise an electronic visual displayoperatively associated with the memory for displaying stored images,such as letters, words, or numbers, after the switch is activated toprovide visual reinforcement. Such an interactive learning toy furtherprovides a sensory experience in an encouraging and emotionally positiveenvironment.

[0008] In another embodiment of the present invention, a toy basketballapparatus comprises a base, a basketball hoop coupled to the base, and acup disposed on the base. The cup receives a toy basketball passingthrough the basketball hoop. Such a cup is rotatable to a closedposition to receive and retain the toy basketball after a child throwsthe basketball through the basketball hoop. This cup is furtherrotatable to an open position to receive the toy basketball after thechild throws the basketball through the basketball hoop andautomatically release the toy basketball back towards the child. Thiscup is particularly advantageous as it promotes gross and fine motorskills without over exhausting a child.

[0009] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a toybasketball apparatus comprises a base, a support coupled to the base, abasketball hoop coupled to the support, and a switch associated with thebasketball hoop for indicating that a basket has been scored. A memoryis operatively associated with the switch. A voice synthesizer isoperatively associated with the memory and a speaker is in turn isoperatively associated with the voice synthesizer. Code stored in thememory causes sounds associated with language to sound from the speakerafter the switch is activated and an electronic visual displayoperatively associated with the memory displays stored images of aletter or word after the switch is activated. A cup is further disposedin the base, wherein the cup receives a toy basketball passing throughthe basketball hoop.

[0010] The present invention further provides methods for teachingletters, spelling, or phonetics to a child. One method comprises thesteps of providing a toy having a goal defining an area and a switchassociated with the goal. Input is received from the switch that a goalhas been scored. Sounds associated with language are sounded from aspeaker after the switch has been activated. Stored images of letters orwords are also displayed after the switch has been activated.

[0011] In another embodiment of the present invention, a method forproviding play with a toy basketball apparatus is provided. One methodcomprises the steps of providing a toy having a base, a basketball hoopcoupled to the base, and a cup disposed on the base, and receiving inthe cup a toy basketball passing through the basketball hoop. The cupeither retains the toy basketball or automatically releases the toybasketball back towards the child in a “pitch back” motion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of thepresent invention may be realized by reference to the detaileddescription and claims when considered in connection with the drawings,wherein like reference numerals are used throughout the several drawingsto refer to similar components.

[0013]FIGS. 1A through 1D illustrate front, side, back, and top views ofa preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0014]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the electronic function of thephysical apparatus of the present invention.

[0015]FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an example of a circuit schematic whichimplements the electronic function of the present invention.

[0016]FIG. 4A through 4C illustrate a method of assembly of the presentinvention.

[0017]FIGS. 5A through 5D are a summary of script commands used toprogram an embodiment of the present invention used to teach letters,spelling, and numbers, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention provide a sports toy withmultiple instructional modalities which combine auditory, visual, andkinesthetic stimulation to teach letters, spelling, or phonetics tochildren in an early stage of development, typically six months andolder. In embodiments of the invention, a child can use the sports toywhen the child is an infant and when the child is a toddler. Olderchildren or even adults could use the sports toy as well.

[0019] Embodiments of the invention can be used to teach a child (e.g.,an infant or a toddler) any suitable subject. Exemplary subjects includecounting, numbers, colors, shapes, fun facts, spelling, math, geography,history, language (generally), phonics, and foreign languages. Preferredembodiments teach about one or more of letters, numbers, shapes, andcolors (e.g., sounds, recognition, and/or usage).

[0020] As used in this application, an instructional modality refers todifferent ways of teaching a child. A modality can correspond toinstructions which occur between consecutive user inputs. It cancorrespond to one or more lines of script code, such as shown in FIGS.5A through 5C. For example, an instructional modality may comprise anauditory declarative statement of instruction (e.g., “Lets learnletters! Take a shot!”) in combination with a visual flashing geometricshape display. As another example, after a goal has been scored by achild, an instructional modality may comprise sounds associated withlanguage (e.g., “DOG”) in combination with sound effects (e.g., woof,woof) and a visual display of each letter name associated with thelanguage sound (e.g., “D”, “O”, “G”). Another modality may also compriseemotionally supportive or encouraging sound effects or statements (e.g.,crowd cheering, clapping, “Great Job!”).

[0021] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated inFIGS. 1A through 1D. Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1D, a sports toy 10comprises a goal 12 defining an area, such as an aperture 14, and amechanical switch 16 associated with the goal 12 for indicating that agoal has been scored. The goal 12 preferably comprises a basketball hoopas shown. It will be appreciated that the goal 12 may alternativelycomprise a soccer goal, a football goal, and like sporting goals.Moreover, the goal area may alternatively comprise a surface area,perimeter area, or the like. As such, the figures described herein onlyprovide illustrative examples and the inventive figure is not limited tobasketball hoops. The basketball hoop 12 is coupled to a support 18comprising a backboard 20 and a post or pole 22. The post 22 in turn iscoupled to a base 24. A cup 26, which is described in more detail below,is further disposed in the base 24, wherein the cup 26 a capable ofreceiving a toy basketball 28 passing through the basketball hoop 12.The terms “coupled to” and “associated with” include connected to,attached to, adjacent to, mounted to, and like configurations. It willfurther be appreciated that the following depictions are forillustration purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the actualshape, size, or distribution of the toy basketball apparatus 10. Thisapplies to all depictions hereinafter.

[0022] Referring now to FIG. 2, a block diagram of the electronics in asports learning toy according to an embodiment of the present inventionis illustrated. A memory unit, illustrated as block 30, is operativelyassociated with the switch, shown as block 16. The memory unit 30 istypically part of a larger processor or circuit (i.e., microprocessor),as indicated by block 32, and further comprises code, as indicated byblock 34. Alternatively, the memory unit 30 may be one or more separatememory chips and may comprise one or more of a read only memory, a flashmemory, or a random access memory. The processor 32 may be amicroprocessor that is located within an interior of the hoop 12,support 18, or base 24 of the basketball toy 10. A voice synthesizer,depicted as block 36, is operatively associated with the memory unit 30and a speaker, depicted as block 38, is in turn operatively associatedwith the voice synthesizer 36. The voice synthesizer 36 can be aseparate voice chip or could be voice synthesizing circuitry in amicroprocessor that also controls the function of the toy. Manyprocessors, memory units, and voice synthesizer chips are commerciallyavailable and any of such commercially available electronic componentscan be used in embodiments of the invention.

[0023] The voice synthesizer 36 and speaker 38 may be located within avariety of locations including the hoop 12, support 18, or base 24 ofthe basketball toy 10. Preferably the speaker 38 is located within arear portion of the base 24, wherein the base 24 may be reinforced andsupplied with appropriate sounds holes 39 for speaker 38 as shown inFIGS. 1B and 1C. Code 34 stored in the memory 30 causes soundsassociated with language to sound from the speaker 38 after the switch16 is activated by ball pressure as it passes through the hoop 12. Thesounds associated with the language include letter names, letter sounds,words, or phonics. Hence, kinesthetic involvement of a child throwingthe toy basketball 28 through the goal 12, 14 and scoring a basketfacilitates cognitive development of letters, words, or phonics in anauditory manner. This interactive learning toy may further comprise code34 for causing sounds associated with numbers to sound from the speaker38 after the switch 16 is activated to teach counting. The memory 30 maystill further comprise code for causing a variety of musical tunes(e.g., basketball theme music), sounds effects (e.g., cheering crowds,clapping, animal sounds (e.g., oink, oink or meow), declaratoryinstruction (e.g., “First words! Lets spell dog! Take a shot!”),positive feedback statements (e.g., “You're awesome!”, “Great job!”,“Great shot!”, “Wow!”) to sound from the speaker 38 before or after theswitch 16 is activated.

[0024] As illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1D, and 2, an electronic visualdisplay, indicated at block 40, is operatively associated with thememory 30 for displaying stored images after the switch 16 is activatedto provide visual reinforcement. The displayed image may comprise aletter 41 (e.g., “A” as shown), word, or number. The visual display 40may further display a variety of flashing geometric shapes or patterns(e.g., circles, squares, triangles) before or after the switch 16 isactivated. The electronic visual display 40 may comprise a variety ofcommonly used electronic displays, such as light emitting diode screens(LED) or liquid crystal displays (LCD). Typically, the display 40comprises a LED screen having a five by seven matrix of LED lights. Thevisual display 40 may be located on the base 24, support 18, orbasketball hoop 12, preferably located on the center of the backboard20. An off/mode select indicia, in this case an “Off/123/ABC/CAT”control knob, is illustrated at block 42 and may be located on the base24, support 18, or basketball hoop 12, preferably located on a rightside of the backboard 20. The sports toy 10 may further comprise atleast one flashing circular light, shown as block 44, operativelyassociated with the memory 30 that flashes after the switch 16 isactivated. Preferably, the basketball toy 10 includes three flashing LEDlights 44, each light having a protruding orange sculpted basketballlens or cover. The lights 44 flash right to left, left to right, oralternately flash after the switch 16 is activated to simulate ballthrowing action to an infant or toddler. The flashing lights 44 may belocated on a variety of locations including the hoop 12, support 18, orbase 24 of the basketball toy 10. Preferably, the flashing lights 44 arelocated above the visual display 40 on the support backboard 20.

[0025] An example of a circuit used to implement the electronicfunction, both audio and visual, of the present invention is shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B. Those of ordinary skill in the art of electronic toysare presumed familiar with a variety of processors or other logiccircuitry which implement the electronic functions of the presentinvention as schematically depicted in FIG. 2. FIG. 3B, in particular,shows an LED array that is used in a visual display to display letters,shapes, or words.

[0026] Referring now to FIGS. 4A through 4C, a method of assembly of thepresent invention is illustrated. The basketball hoop 12 attaches to thesupport backboard 20 and snaps into place. The hoop 12 further has abreak-away feature to allow for safe play. The support post 22 in turnis inserted into the base 24 and snaps into place. As shown in FIG. 4B,the support post 22 is adjustable along a vertical direction to extendto at least three different height positions of 15 inches, 18 inches, 20inches from the base 24. Such an adjustable, grow-with-me backboard 20is advantageous as it allows for both sitting and standing play. Forexample, shorter and less mobile infants may prefer sitting play totaller and more mobile toddlers who may prefer standing play. To raisethe backboard 20, simply hold the base 24 and pull up on the backboard,as indicated by arrow 46. To lower the back board 20, simply depress twobuttons 48 on a backside of the backboard while lowering the post 22height, as indicated by arrow 46. A two position high/low volume control50 is further located on the backside of the backboard 20 to adjust theauditory modalities of the present invention.

[0027] In some embodiments, a cup 26 disposed on the base 24 forreceiving a toy basketball 28 passing through the basketball hoop 12.Such a swivel cup 26 is manually rotatable about an axis, typically in arange from about 1° to about 180°. The cup 26 is rotatable to a closedposition, as illustrated in FIGS. 4C and 1A, to receive and retain thebasketball 28 after a child throws the basketball 28 through thebasketball hoop 12. A lip 52 on the base 24 is in engagement with thecup 26 to securely retain the basketball 28 in this closed position.Such a closed cup position is of particular benefit for infants andyoung toddlers who may be less mobile or less coordinated. For example,an infant who is sitting can simply drop the basketball 28 in the hoop12 where the ball 28 will be retained in the cup 26. This encouragesfurther sitting play as the basketball 28 will not disappear to a remotecorner of a room. In addition, the retaining cup 26 is advantageous toparents who may not want to retrieve a ball for an infant each time thatthe infant makes a basket. Hence, the closed cup position that receivesand retains the ball encourages gross and fine motor skill developmentof placing a ball through the hoop.

[0028] The cup 26 is also rotatable to an open position, as illustratedin FIG. 4A, to receive the toy basketball 28 after a child throws thebasketball 28 through the basketball hoop 12 and automatically releasethe toy basketball 28 back towards the child so that he/she may catchthe ball 28. This open position is also advantageous as it allows theball to be “pitched back” thereby providing further interaction with thechild, particularly toddlers. This open cup position also promotes grossand fine motor skill development of throwing a ball through the hoopwithout over exhausting a toddler, who may easily tire from retrievingthe ball each time a basket has been made. In addition, the pitch backfeature is advantageous to parents who may not want to retrieve a ballfor a toddler each time that the toddler makes a basket. The cup 26 hasa half funnel shape and a sloping floor to help retain the ball in theclosed position as well as help direct and release the toy basketballback towards the child in the open position. Still further, the cup 26may simply receive the toy basketball 28 after a child throws thebasketball 28 through the basketball hoop 12 and automatically releasethe toy basketball 28 away from the base 24. In some embodiments, this“pitch back” feature is performed with a cup 26 that is made of moldedplastic and does not have any moving parts or electronics.

[0029] In general, the basketball goal 12, backboard 20, post 22, andbase 24 may be formed from a variety of materials including plastic,polymer, graphite, wood, metal, rubber, and the like, and haveapproximate dimensions respectively as follows: goal 4.25″ width(W)×1.25″ height (H)×4.25″ depth (D); backboard 8.25″W×7.5″H×2.5″D; post3.5″W×5″H ×2″D; base: 9″W×2.75″H×12.5″D. The two orange mini-basketballs28 may also be formed from a variety of material including plastic,rubber, and the like, have approximately a 2.5″ diameter, and betextured to provide an easy-grip. Moreover, the base 24 can have twocircular recesses 54 to conveniently and neatly store the basketballs 28when the sports toy 10 is not in use.

[0030] To begin instructive play of the present invention, thebasketball sports toy 10 is turned on by moving the “Off/123/ABC/CAT”select indicia 42 from “Off” to a language skills mode (“ABC” or “CAT”)or to a counting skills mode (“123”). For example, turning the modeselect indicia 42 to the “ABC” letters mode causes musical tunes as wellas crowd cheers and clapping sound effects to be emitted from thespeaker 38 in combination with declaratory instruction (e.g., “Letslearn letters! Take a shot!”) in a realistic basketball announcerfashion. Moreover, geometric flashing shapes are simultaneouslydisplayed on the visual display 40. After a child throws the basketball28 through the basketball hoop 12, input is received from the mechanicalswitch 16 that a goal has been scored and sounds associated withlanguage are emitted from the speaker 38 and stored images are displayed40 after the switch 16 has been activated. As described above, suchreceiving, causing audio sounds, and visual displaying processes arecarried out by the microprocessor 32. In the present example, the soundsassociated with language skills include a letter name from the alphabetstarting from “A” sequentially all the way through “Z” being emittedfrom the speaker 38 in combination with that particular letter namebeing displayed on the visual display 40 for each basket being scored.Moreover, musical tunes and positive feedback statements (e.g., “Slamdunk!”) may further be emitted after the switch 16 is activated. Thebasketball lights 44 may also flash from right to left or vice versa.

[0031] Hence, the present invention teaches and reinforces cognitivelanguage skills by employing auditory, visual, and kinestheticmodalities. Moreover, a multi-sensory experience is provided by theflashing basketball lights and geometric shapes on the display as wellas the musical tunes and tactile feel from gripping the basketball andscoring a goal. An encouraging and emotionally supportive environment isfurther fostered by the cheering crowds and clapping sound effectsbefore a goal has been scored as well as the positive feedbackstatements after a goal has been scored.

[0032] Alternatively, turning the mode select indicia 42 to the “CAT”spelling mode causes musical tunes as well as crowd cheers and clappingsound effects to be emitted from the speaker 38 in combination withdeclaratory instruction (e.g., “First Words!. Lets spell cat! Take ashot!”). Moreover, geometric flashing shapes are simultaneouslydisplayed on the visual display 40. After a child throws the basketball28 through the basketball hoop 12, input is received from the switch 16that a goal has been scored and sounds associated with language areemitted from the speaker 38 and stored images are displayed 40 after theswitch 16 has been activated. In the present example, the soundsassociated with language skills include three letter words, typicallyfirst words such as bus, cat, dog, or pig, in which the letter sound andletter name of each word are phonetically being emitted from the speaker38 in combination with each letter name of that particular word beingdisplayed on the visual display 40 for each basket being scored.Moreover, further musical tunes and sound effects (e.g., honk, honk) mayfurther be emitted after the switch 16 is activated. The basketballlights 44 may also flash.

[0033] Optionally, turning the mode select indicia 42 to the “123”counting mode causes musical tunes as well as crowd cheers and clappingsound effects to be emitted from the speaker 38 in combination withdeclaratory instruction (e.g., “Lets count! Take a shot!”). Moreover,geometric flashing circular shapes are simultaneously displayed on thevisual display 40. After a child throws the basketball 28 through thebasketball hoop 12, input is received from the switch 16 that a goal hasbeen scored and sounds associated with numbers are emitted from thespeaker 38 and stored images are displayed 40 after the switch 16 hasbeen activated. In the present example, the sounds associated withnumbers include a number in the range from about 1 to about 10 to beconsecutively emitted from the speaker 38 in combination with thatnumber being displayed on the visual display 40 for each basket beingscored. Moreover, further musical tunes and positive feedback statements(e.g., “You're an all star counter!”) may further be emitted after theswitch 16 is activated. The basketball lights 44 may also flash. Hence,the present invention also teaches and reinforces number identificationand recognition by employing auditory, visual, and kinestheticmodalities.

[0034]FIGS. 5A through 5C are example lists of audio and visual scriptcommands used to program the present invention to teach letters,spelling, and numbers, respectively. The script commands of FIGS. 5Athrough 5C describe a preferred embodiment of a learning sports toy inwhich visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning modalities mutuallyreinforce one another in a synergistic fashion. Many variations of thescript commands are within the scope of the present invention and assuch the script may be substantially varied. For example, the auditoryand visual commands may be altered to spell four letter words instead ofthree letter words or alternatively the three letter word script may bealtered to include words such as hat, bat, fox, etc. Further, themusical tunes, sound effects, declaratory instruction, and positivefeedback may further be varied.

[0035] At the end of play, the toy may be turned off by moving the modeselect indicia 42 to the “Off” position. Otherwise, as shown in FIG. 5D,the sports toy may automatically turn off after a predetermined periodof inactivity for energy savings after giving a few prompts to keepplaying. The period of inactivity time is typically within a range of 30seconds to one minute, preferably 40 seconds. When the toy isautomatically turned off it is placed in a sleep mode and may easily bewoken up from sleep mode by placing the basketball 28 into the hoop 12to activate the mechanical switch 16 back into a language skills orcounting mode.

[0036] The interactive learning sports apparatus 10 according to thepresent invention can optionally include a slot (not shown) for atransferable information storage medium (not shown) that is operativelycoupled to the processor 32 and memory unit 30. The slot can becooperatively structured to receive the transferable storage medium in aremovable manner. Any suitable transferable storage medium can beemployed in the interactive learning sports apparatus including, but notlimited to, a data cartridge (e.g., a flash memory cartridge), a disk, atape or a memory stick. The transferable information storage medium canbe used to provide code for new operating modes or new audio data (e.g.,new songs) to the interactive learning sports apparatus. Thetransferable information storage medium may be purchased at a store, ormay be created at the user's site by downloading new content from apersonal computer or from the Internet.

[0037] The interactive learning sports apparatus 10 can also form partof a system that provides the interactive learning sports apparatus withnew content if desired. For example, in some embodiments, a linkerdevice can be used to transfer data (e.g., new audio data or code fornew operating modes) between the interactive learning sports apparatusand a computer (e.g., an Internet-enabled personal computer or servercomputer). The linker device can be any suitable linker device known toone skilled in the art, such as a wireless transceiver (e.g., a radiofrequency [RF] transceiver or an infra-red [IR] transceiver) or a dataport (e.g., a Universal Serial Bus [USB] data port). Such a data portenables a user to transfer data to, and from, the interactive learningapparatus through a physical connection (e.g., a data cable) among theinteractive learning sports apparatus and a client PC or the Internet.The inclusion of a linker device in the interactive learning sportsapparatus results in an Internet-enabled interactive learning sportsapparatus. Additional details regarding such Internet-enabledembodiments can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/632,424,filed on Aug. 4, 2000. This U.S. Patent Application is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0038] Although certain preferred embodiments and methods have beendisclosed herein, it will be apparent from the foregoing disclosure tothose skilled in the art that variations, modifications, alternativeconstructions, and equivalents of such embodiments and methods may bemade without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention.Therefore, the above description should not be taken as limiting thescope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sports toy comprising: (a) a goal defining anarea; (b) a switch associated with the goal for indicating that a goalhas been scored; (c) a memory operatively associated with the switch;(d) a voice synthesizer operatively associated with the memory; (d) aspeaker operatively associated with the voice synthesizer; and (e) codestored in the memory for causing sounds associated with language tosound from the speaker after the switch is activated.
 2. The sports toyof claim 1, wherein the area is an aperture.
 3. The sports toy of claim1, wherein the sounds associated with language include letter names,letter sounds, words, or phonics.
 4. The sports toy of claim 1, whereinthe sounds associated with language include a letter from the alphabet.5. The sports toy of claim 1, wherein the sounds associated withlanguage include a three letter word.
 6. The sports toy of claim 5,wherein the three letter word is bus, cat, dog, or pig.
 7. The sportstoy of claim 1, wherein the memory further comprises code for causingsounds associated with numbers to sound from the speaker after theswitch is activated.
 8. The sports toy of claim 7, wherein the soundsassociated with numbers include a number in the range from about 1 to10.
 9. The sports toy of claim 1, wherein the memory further comprisescode for causing musical tunes, sound effects, declaratory instruction,or positive feedback statements to sound from the speaker before orafter the switch is activated.
 10. The sports toy of claim 1, furthercomprising an electronic visual display operatively associated with thememory for displaying stored images after the switch is activated. 11.The sports toy of claim 10, wherein the displayed image comprises aletter, word, or number.
 12. The sports toy of claim 1, furthercomprising an electronic visual display operatively associated with thememory for displaying geometric shapes or patterns before or after theswitch is activated.
 13. The sports toy of claim 1, further comprisingat least one flashing light operatively associated with the memory thatflashes after the switch is activated.
 14. The sports toy of claim 1,where the goal comprises a basketball hoop.
 15. A toy basketballapparatus comprising: (a) abase; (b) a basketball hoop coupled to thebase; and (c) a cup disposed on the base, wherein the cup receives a toybasketball passing through the basketball hoop.
 16. The toy basketballapparatus of claim 15, wherein the cup is capable of rotating about anaxis.
 17. The toy basketball apparatus of claim 15, wherein the cup isrotatable in a range from about 1° to 180°.
 18. The toy basketballapparatus of claim 15, wherein the cup is rotatable to a closed positionto receive and retain the toy basketball after a child throws thebasketball through the basketball hoop.
 19. The toy basketball apparatusof claim 18, wherein a lip on the base is in engagement with the cup inthe closed position.
 20. The toy basketball apparatus of claim 15,wherein the cup is rotatable to an open position to (i) receive the toybasketball after a child throws the basketball through the basketballhoop, and (ii) automatically release the toy basketball back towards thechild.
 21. The toy basketball apparatus of claim 15, wherein the cup isrotatable to an open position to (i) receive the toy basketball after achild throws the basketball through the basketball hoop, and (ii)automatically release the toy basketball away from the base.
 22. The toybasketball apparatus of claim 15, wherein the cup has a half funnelshape and a sloping floor.
 23. The toy basketball apparatus of claim 15,further comprising a support coupled between the base and the basketballhoop.
 24. The toy basketball apparatus of claim 23, wherein the supportis adjustable along a vertical direction.
 25. A toy basketball apparatuscomprising: (a) abase; (b) a support coupled to the base; (c) abasketball hoop coupled to the support; (d) a switch associated with thebasketball hoop for indicating that a basket has been scored; (e) amemory operatively associated with the switch; (f) a voice synthesizeroperatively associated with the memory; (g) a speaker operativelyassociated with the voice synthesizer; (h) code stored in the memory forcausing sounds associated with language to sound from the speaker afterthe switch is activated; (i) an electronic visual display operativelyassociated with the memory for displaying stored images of a letter orword after the switch is activated; and (j) a cup disposed in the base,wherein the cup receives a toy basketball passing through the basketballhoop.
 26. A method for teaching letters, spelling, or phonetics to achild comprising the steps of: (a) providing a toy having a goaldefining an area and a switch associated with the goal; (b) receivinginput from the switch that a goal has been scored; and (c) causingsounds associated with language to sound from a speaker after the switchhas been activated.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the soundsassociated with language include letter names, letter sounds, words, orphonics.
 28. The method of claim 26, further comprising teachingcounting by causing sounds associated with numbers to sound from thespeaker after the switch is activated.
 29. The method of claim 26,further comprising displaying stored images of letters, words, ornumbers after the switch is activated.
 30. The method of claim 26,further comprising automatically turning the toy off after apredetermined period of inactivity.
 31. The method of claim 26, whereinthe receiving and causing sound steps are carried out by amicroprocessor.
 32. A method for providing play with a toy basketballapparatus comprising the steps of: (a) providing a toy having a base, abasketball hoop coupled to the base, and a cup disposed on the base; and(b) receiving in the cup a toy basketball passing through the basketballhoop.
 33. The method of claim 32, further comprising retaining thebasketball in the cup.
 34. The method of claim 32, further comprisingautomatically releasing the toy basketball from the cup and back towardsthe child.
 35. The method of claim 32, further comprising automaticallyreleasing the toy basketball from the cup and away from the base.